Presentation by Amy McCullough

Korean Campaign Dancing

Posters

Other Methods

Numbers and Colours

So what about Canada?

Contents  Political System  Pillars of Electoral Democracy  Elections Canada  Federal Electoral Process  Political Financing

1. Political System  The basics  Representation in the House of Commons  First past the post

A. The Basics Queen Elizabeth II Parliament House of Commons Senate Governor General

Parliament

Government (May 2011) Independent 1 TOTAL 308

Length of Term  Maximum 5 years between elections  Mackenzie-King, 21 years  Some not elected  Bill C-16 proposal

B. Representation in the House of Commons

C. First Past the Post  Candidates may run under a party or independently, but only in 1 district  Parties may only endorse 1 candidate in each district  Most votes wins (might not be over 50%)

Number of Political Parties

2. Pillars of Electoral Democracy  Participation, fairness and transparency  Secrecy and privacy  Adaptability

A. Participation, Fairness and Transparency  Volunteer or donation incentives  Must register and report revenues, expenses and liabilities  Limits to equitable access to elections  Balance regulations and freedom of expression and association

B. Secrecy and Privacy  Impossible to find out who any voter voted for  Reject ballots with any identification marks  Avoid intimidation and brides  Personal information governed

C. Adaptability  Change according to social circumstances

3. Elections Canada  The Organization  Main Activities

A. The Organization  Independent, fair, open, impartial, improving  Accessible: education and location  Registration of parties and voters  Controlling regulations  Financing and broadcasting  330 core staff, 900+ during elections: non-partisan

Key Positions  Chief Electoral Officer  Commissioner of Canada Elections  Broadcasting Arbitrator

B. Main Activities  Manage field operations  Maintain register of electors  Electoral geography and mapping  Legal services and financing  Research and analysis  Outreach programs  Internet and information technology  Political financing and international cooperation

4. Federal Electoral Process  Preparing for a General Election  Launching an Election  Voting  The Results  Reports  By-elections  Referendums

A. Preparing for a General Election  Not set, so must always be ready  Maintain register of electors  Train staff  Set up polls  Prepare supplies

B. Launching an Election  Dissolve parliament  Set dates  Issue the writs (at least 36 days)  Open returning offices

C. Voting  Voting by special ballot  Mail voter information cards  Canadian Forces voting  Advanced polls  Incarcerated electors vote  Election Day (can register at the polls)

Ballot

Voter Turnout

Voting and Age

D. The Results  Unofficial results come out as election proceeds  Validate results  Judicial recount if necessary

E. Election Reports  Return the writs  Chief Electoral Officer reports Official results without delay Published results within 90 days Any changes to the electoral legislation

F. By-Elections  When a seat becomes vacant  Just the electoral district concerned  No expense reimburse for political parties  No broadcasting time allocated

G. Referendums  Questions pertaining to the Constitution of Canada  1898: Prohibition of alcohol  1942: Compulsory military service  1992: Charlottetown Accord

Quebec Referendum  1980: No 59.56%  1995: No 50.6%

5. Political Financing  Limits and Reporting  Reimbursements  Regulation of Third Parties

A. Limits and Reporting  Open, fair and accessible  Must disclose financial transactions  Limits on contributions (none can be made by corporations or trade unions)  Can get tax credits for contributions (money, goods and services)

B. Reimbursements  Candidates with 10% of vote or who are elected may apply for a 60% expense reimbursement  Registered political parties can receive 50% if they receive 2% of vote nationally or 5% in a district  Also a quarterly allowance for parties

C. Regulation of Third Parties  Person or group who promotes or opposes a candidate/party  Must register if more than $500  Third parties must always be identified  Maximums nationally and in districts

Summary  Political System  Pillars of Electoral Democracy  Elections Canada  Federal Electoral Process  Political Financing

Issues to Follow  Next election Oct. 19 th, 2015?  Robocalls

Any Questions?